December 12, 2025

This Sunday is Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. As we light the pink candle in the Advent wreath we also take a moment on the one hand for the lightening of our Advent observation and to remember the Blessed Virgin Mary and her willing role in the mystery of the incarnation as she said “yes” to becoming the Theotokos or the Birther of God. 

As you we light pink candles, I hope we will take a moment to remember the profound effect of her words, “May it be with me as you have said.” How much her agreement changed the world! One simple “yes” shook the foundations of heaven and earth. It is not always easy to say yes to God. God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and God’s ways are not our ways. Saying “yes” to God gives up our independence. Saying “yes” to God is saying “no” to something we might rather do. Saying “yes” to God is risky; we might be hurt, we might be embarrassed, we might have to give up a treasured dream. But saying “yes” to God also changes everything. It might not shake the cosmos like Mary’s “yes” did, but it will shake our own individual worlds. It will fill us with grace, and those around us will call us blessed.

This Gaudete Sunday, listen to what God is calling you to do or to be, say “yes,” and rejoice!

Bishop’s Visitation

Don’t forget that Bishop Akiyama will be with us this week for her regular visitation. There will be NO 8:00 SERVICE THIS SUNDAY so that we can all be together, and we will have an extra special coffee hour after the 10:30 service in honor of the event and to celebrate with those who are being Confirmed and Received or are reaffirming their baptisms.